I'm no soldier



 There are many people who proclaim to be at war with groups I belong too. White Americans want a race war, men want a gender war, Israel wants a World War. However, I am not at war with anyone. I seek understanding, solutions and peace. 

I am a fighter only in the sense of surviving this oppressed life I'm living. Fighting for my children and grandchildren's futures. Fighting to be seen and heard as I am, without the filter of stereotypes. Fighting to keep going to a job that violates my morals daily.

I start no battles, I only defend myself. I extend myself to humanity as much as I can. I am a caretaker, a loving and understanding person. I am a free thinker. My thoughts and ideas all lead to a better world and improved human experience. Equity, balance and joy are my motivators. 

Those who wage war against me have self serving motivations. They believe in exclusivity as community. I believe in inclusivity as community. I want more for most of us and less for those who hoard resources. I want a world where difference is allowed and hate isn't generalized.

 I have no internal chaos, no war within me. I do not have a superiority complex. I see myself as one member of Earth coexisting with every other living creature. I create life, I do not destroy it. 

I'm no soldier.

I'm a Black woman.

I'm a mother.

I'm a wife.

I'm a sister.

I'm a friend.

I'm a teacher.

I'm a community member. Good community members give when they can to balance all that they take. We need each other and cannot enjoy this life without support and a listening ear. We all need validation, correction and guidance as much as we need homes, food and water. 

Humanity has gotten itself into a mess. The solution is love not war. Always question those who do not seek peace and would watch the world burn for their personal entertainment or fulfillment. It's not always the loudest who is the most effective villain. Greed and lack of empathy are always identifiers of the most harmful. Those who choose to ignore ethics and steamroll over those who live moral lives are not winners. They are thieves and murderers. 

Where do you stand?

Fin

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